Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. The Mido Commander Gradient Reveals its Mechanics Through a New Denim Blue Dial
A full steel version with a dash of colour.
An important watch for the brand, if not its cornerstone model, the Mido Commander is a watch with a classic, slightly sporty vibe designed to be used on a daily basis. Well, at least, when it comes to the standard models with closed dials. Recently, the Swatch-owned brand decided to up its game and to reveal a far bolder edition, revealing most of the mechanics under a dégradé transparent dial. The Mido Commander Gradient Caliber 80, first launched with a blackened case and smoky dial with orange accents, now comes back in a stylish, easier to wear version that will be perfect for summer, with full steel attire and a denim blue-coloured dial.
The Mido Commander Gradient was, until now, available in four different editions: steel on bracelet, rose gold PVD-coated steel, black PVD-coated steel on bracelet and black PVD-coated steel enlivened with the bright Mido orange accents. The latter, and the one we took for a hands-on session, was by far the most striking version. Today, the brand reveals what is probably the most classic edition available… Which doesn’t make it less of a cool watch.
The Mido Commander Gradient Caliber 80, and all Commander watches for that matter, are built around a sleek design that is inspired by architecture, with a drop-shaped case profile and an ultra-thin bezel framing a faceted sapphire crystal. A nice, clean design that does have some appeal. At 40mm in diameter and with a thickness of less than 11mm, it’s also a watch that is easy to live with. Large enough for a sporty presence, but not too much in order to retain some comfort. The uncoated steel case of the present version is brushed and polished, the caseback has a see-through window and the water-resistance is 50 metres.
For a complete sporty, casual look, the watch is worn on a semi-integrated steel bracelet with an equally sleek shape. It’s almost entirely brushed, with just a few small polished accents. What’s new this year is the addition of a denim blue version to the collection. It retains the same architecture as before, with an acrylic, tinted blue dial that is semi-transparent in the centre and increasingly opaque (gradient effect) towards the edge. It partially reveals the movement underneath, without compromising legibility. On top are applied polished markers filled with SLN and diamond-cut hands also filled with luminous material.
Inside the case, no surprises. The Mido Commander Gradient is powered by Swatch Group’s Powermatic movement, the Caliber 80. Also named ETA C07.611, it’s a significant evolution of the 2824 with a reworked kinetic chain and reduced frequency, resulting in a long power reserve of 80 hours. Here it is presented in an Elaboré grade.
The Mido Commander Gradient Caliber 80 Denim Blue is now available from retailers and is priced at EUR 920 or CHF 920. For more details, please visit www.midowatches.com.
